Inside the Numbers: Steelers offense vs Chargers defense

In desperate need of a win, we’ll take a look at how the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense matches up against the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense.

The Steelers are 1-4, and yet, they are only two games back of first place in the AFC North. The Ravens have crashed back down to earth after a hot start, the Browns are reeling after getting blown out by the 49ers, and the Bengals could challenge Miami for the first overall pick in 2020’s draft.

The Chargers aren’t in a much better spot than Pittsburgh. They are 2-3 in 2019, coming off a bad loss to Denver at home in Week 5.

Here are the numbers for the Steelers’ offense and Chargers’ defense through Week 5:

Steelers Offense	Chargers Defense
19.8 Points-per-game (22nd)	18.8 Points-per-game allowed (9th)
280.6 Total yards-per-game (29th)	334.8 Total yards-per game allowed (11th)
67.0 Rushing yards-per-game (29th)	119.8 Rushing yards-per-game allowed (18th)
213.6 Passing yards-per-game (25th)	215.0 Passing yards-per-game allowed (8th)
7 Turnovers (4 INT/3 fumbles) (T-13th)	6 Takeaways (4 INT/2 fumbles) (T-20th)
5 sacks allowed (2nd)	12 sacks (16th)
28% 3rd down conversion (29th)	46% 3rd down conversion against (29th)

Advantage: Chargers

The absence of Ben Roethlisberger is very noticeable for Pittsburgh. The Steeler offense has struggled, especially in capitalizing on takeaways by the defense.

Pittsburgh especially struggles in time of possession (T.O.P.), averaging a horrid 25:59 T.O.P. per game. That’s good enough for 31st in the NFL.

With the likelihood of Devlin Hodges starting at quarterback for the Steelers, along with Jaylen Samuels and James Washington sidelined, the Steelers’ depth on offense is dreadfully thin. They will likely have to call on Donte Moncrief or Ryan Switzer for more snaps at receiver. 

The Chargers, despite being near the middle of the pack in rush defense, are allowing 4.6 yards-per-carry to opposing offenses. The Steelers have needed to find ways to improve the run game, and this may be the week to do it.

On paper, nothing about the Chargers’ defense is genuinely scary. They have a great pass rusher in Joey Bosa, but are without star safety Derwin James. As we’ve seen with the Steelers’ acquisition of Minkah Fitzpatrick, the presence of an elite safety in the middle of the field has a massive impact on the defense.

The Chargers still do have a great set of cornerbacks that has helped them still defend the pass very well. If Devlin Hodges is the starter on Sunday, he’ll have a very tough test for his first NFL start.

This game might come down to how well each unit can do on third down. Both the Steelers' offense and Chargers' defense are near the bottom of the league in 3rd down percentage. 

Obviously, one of the largest reasons the Steelers have struggled mightily with possessing the football is because of their inability to convert 3rd downs consistently. Since they are facing a team who's struggled defensively on third down, maybe they can convert more often this week. It would have a ripple effect that would increase their chances of leaving Los Angeles with the upset.

It's been hard for the Steelers' offense to get any consistency going this season. The revolving door at quarterback has paralyzed any chance for stability on offense. If Devlin Hodges is the guy on Sunday night, the lack of exposure may tip the scales more in Pittsburgh's favor. 

The Steelers are a hungry football team, desperate to go into their bye week with a win. A win on the west coast, with a terrible Miami team looming after their bye week, just might give the Steelers a chance to defy the odds in 2019.